New Zealand coach Michael Maguire has axed star playmaker Shaun Johnson in favour of Kieran Foran for Saturday’s rugby league Test against Great Britain.
Johnson is one of two changes to the side pummelled by Australia last Friday, with Joseph Tapine replacing Braden Hamlin-Uele for the Auckland clash.
The bold decision comes a week after the Kiwis slumped to their worst defeat under Maguire since taking charge of the side midway through last year.
Johnson was heavily criticised after the loss, with former Kangaroos pivot Braith Anasta labelling the No.7’s effort close to the worst of his career.
“We’ve got pretty high standards here at the moment and we’re looking for consistency all the time,” Maguire said of the call to drop Johnson on Tuesday.
“I’ve had a senior group talk about that since my arrival in the job and I think they all understand that.”
It is believed to be the first time Johnson has been dropped from the Kiwis side since making his international debut seven years ago.
The Cronulla five-eighth has since featured in 31 Tests for his country, however Maguire said the mercurial talent took his demotion positively.
“I had a really good, long conversation with him. I’ve been able to build a strong relationship with Shaun about his game,” Maguire said.
“And he understands that consistency is a big part of playing at this level, and at all levels, even at your (NRL) club. It’s something he’s got to work hard at.”
Foran’s recall comes over two years since his last appearance in the black-and-white jumper back in the mid-year Test loss to Australia in 2017.
Prior to that, he was part of a Kiwis side that won five straight between 2014-15.
Maguire praised the former New Zealand captain for overcoming a horror stretch of injuries and finding some form with Canterbury during the back end of this year.
“The change at the moment with Kieran coming in after our last performance is well-deserved for Kieran,” Maguire said.
“He’s been performing extremely well at the back end of the season.
“And it’s a real credit to him, to see Kieran develop his body back to where it needs to be and play at this level.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him come into the team and perform very well.”
Zane Tetevano starts in place of Leeson Ah Mau, while Tapine’s inclusion forces Blair, who will become just the ninth player to tally 50 Tests, to the bench.
KIWIS TEAM v GREAT BRITAIN
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Ken Maumalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Joseph Manu, Jamayne Isaako, Kieran Foran, Benji Marshall (c), Zane Tetevano, Brandon Smith, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Briton Nikora, Kenny Bromwich, Joseph Tapine. Res (from): Jahrome Hughes, Corey Harawira-Naera, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Kevin Proctor.
